Oxytocin: The Bliss Hormone

Below is an excerpt from a pretty thorough article on Oxytocin. I recommend that you read the entire article before moving on...

Oxytocin: The love hormone

Oxytocin is a hormone and a neurotransmitter that is involved in childbirth and breast-feeding. It is also associated with empathy, trust, sexual activity, and relationship-building.

It is sometimes referred to as the "love hormone," because levels of oxytocin increase during hugging and orgasm. It may also have benefits as a treatment for a number of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and intestinal problems.

Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. Females usually have higher levels than males.

So obviously oxytocin is a big deal. Effecting our drives, moods and motivations. To that end it is important especially as adults, that we find healthy and natural ways to both stimulate and release Oxytocin. Here are a few that were not mentioned in the article:

Rocking

Have you ever just sat and rocked in a rocking chair? Feeling the soothing shifts and changes while experiencing the grounding of the Earth beneath you? There is a feeling that mimmicks being in bliss in our Mothers' wombs and the sensation of floating inside of her rocking pelvic girdle as she walks and her feet roll through being planted on the ground and then shifting to catch her balance for the next step. We experienced being safe inside this movement so to replicate this primordial state of comfort is paramount to well being. Get a rocking chair! Also in some forms of dance and bodywork, rocking is prevalent. Modern Dance, Tai Chi, Tai Massage etc.

Swinging and Floating

As a child I spent countless hours on the playground swinging and in the pool floating. I just couldn't get enough of the feeling of exhilaration and yet calm. As an adult swinging in a hammock is one of my favorite pastimes. In Central/ South America and the Carribean, swinging in a hammock and swimming in the Sea is a part of the daily culture. The weightlessness of swinging and floating offers a necessary break to the constant pressure exerted on our bones and joints as we walk, sit and stand everyday. Swinging and Floating both mimic our earlier experiences in the womb as a zygote and embryo. Get or make yourself a hammock and go for a float as often as possible.

Rolling and Tumbling

Obviously we were rolling and tumbling in the womb. Once we got good at floating, swinging and rocking, we tried out tumbling. Babies are ecstatic when they realize they can roll over, a whole new dimension of movement on this side of the womb. Toddlers and young children are amazed and excited when they get there coordination together enough to experiment with forces, strength and flexibility through the world of flipping and tumbling. As adults we should partake in this joyous pastime as not only does it release oxytocin into the bloodstream, rolling and tumbling help pump and drain lymph through and out of the body.